As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 542: Not My Business

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Just as Zhou Chao was almost drifting off to sleep, he heard voices outside, recognizable as those of Old Master Xiao and Old Master Jiang.

“Wait till I get my hands on him! How dare he not call me for such a big matter and go to you instead? It’s infuriating to even think about it.”

“Haha, it’s because I treat Xiao Chao well. Look at how rarely you’re home, barely reachable by phone all year round. How can you blame him? It’s your own fault. Don’t blame Xiao Chao.”

With smiles on their faces, the two gentlemen entered, but Old Master Jiang’s expression changed when he saw Zhou Chao.

Zhou Chao knew he was in for it. Old Master Jiang sat beside him with a stern face, staring silently, making Zhou Chao feel uneasy.

“Grandpa, stop staring at me like that. I’m embarrassed!” Zhou Chao said, pretending to be coy.

Seeing Zhou Chao’s coy act, Old Master Xiao burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny? You’re just as coy. And you, as my son-in-law, why are you hanging out with Xiao Lao instead of calling me? You never give me a call, yet you want to blame Xiao Chao. It’s infuriating,” Old Master Jiang scolded, not hiding his displeasure.

Zhou Chao glanced cautiously at Old Master Jiang. “Grandpa, since it seems like the verification is done, can I go back now?”

“Go back? You think you can go back just like that? Before everything is confirmed, you can’t leave. Verifying controllable nuclear fusion isn’t a simple matter. It takes a day or two at least. But based on preliminary analysis, the data you provided seems genuine,” Old Master Jiang explained, his expression softening.

Upon hearing that he might have to stay for two days, Zhou Chao was speechless. “Grandpa, if you won’t let me go back, at least let me make a phone call. Jiang Li is waiting for me, and Lin Wu might still be waiting at the entrance of Xiao Lao’s alley. They’re all family. Besides, I brought out this stuff myself. Don’t you think so?”

“You’re right. The young man has a high level of ideological consciousness!” a deep, magnetic voice sounded from the door, followed by the entry of three people.

Zhou Chao’s mouth dropped open in disbelief at the sight of the newcomer, unable to believe that this person had come to see him in person.

“Le… Leader…” Zhou Chao stammered nervously, feeling like he was losing his ability to speak.

“Haha, don’t be so nervous. I’ve been hearing about you from Xiao Lao all the time. My ears are almost calloused from it,” the leader said kindly, eliciting laughter from everyone present.

Even Zhou Chao felt embarrassed and scratched his head awkwardly.

The leader smiled at Zhou Chao and said, “I’ve heard Xiao Lao and the others call you Xiao Chao, so I’ 11 call you that too. We won’t ask where the data on controllable nuclear fusion came from. You’ve shown your sincerity by providing it. Rest assured, the country won’t mistreat those who contribute!” “Leader, what data on controllable nuclear fusion? Isn’t this something the country has researched on its own? It has nothing to do with me!”

As soon as his words fell, everyone, including the leader, was stunned, taking a while to recover before bursting into laughter.

“You sly little fellow, I heard you saying you wanted to go home just now,” the leader said, taking a seat beside Zhou Chao.

Hearing this, Old Master Xiao and Old Master Jiang quickly signaled him with their eyes to think carefully before speaking and not to blurt out anything. However, they coincidentally met the leader’s gaze.

Zhou Chao pondered for a moment before saying, “Leader, I did want to go home. After all, staying here won’t be of much help.”

The leader remained silent, deep in thought, lightly tapping the armrest of the chair. The room fell silent, and Zhou Chao felt like he could hear his own heartbeat.

“If you want to go back, then go. It’s already late,” the leader finally said, eliciting various reactions from the people in the room. Zhou Chao breathed a sigh of relief.

“In that case, I’ll leave now,” Zhou Chao said, somewhat uncertain.

The leader nodded gently, then called in Xiao Wang, who had been standing by the door, to escort Zhou Chao out of the lounge and towards the exit. Once Zhou Chao and Xiao Wang had walked away, the voice of the leader echoed in the room.

“I know you two want to remove him from this matter, but look at what Xiao Chao said. This is the country’s own research. He probably already had these thoughts when he came here,” the leader said, his smile now even more pronounced.

“Leader, you also know that this matter is of great importance and will impact the country’s development for decades to come. We’re just worried about Zhou Chao in case something happens…” Old Master Jiang didn’t hide his thoughts, especially considering Zhou Chao was his grandson-in-law. It was only natural to worry.

“Lao Jiang, rest assured. Only a few of us know about this matter. Anyone who has interacted with Zhou Chao today has already signed a top-secret agreement,” Old Master Li said with a smile, reassuring Old Master Jiang.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Jiang nodded thoughtfully, exchanging a glance with Old Master Xiao. Old Master Xiao immediately understood and spoke up, “Leader, considering Zhou Chao’s significant contribution this time, shouldn’t he be rewarded? Today, I dragged him here before even finishing my meal.”